In this May 17, 2010, file photo Juan Carlos Cruz, a former Food Network television chef, is shown in court in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes,File)

(Newser)
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When celebrity chef Juan Carlos Cruz hired a homeless guy to kill his wife, he instructed the novice hit man not to hurt their two dogs—and even provided the man with doggie treats to give to them so they wouldn't bark, reports the Los Angeles Times. The plot by Cruz, known for his appearances on the Food Network and Discovery Channel, never came close to fruition because cops got wind of it and used the would-be hit man as an informant.

Cruz is serving a 9-year sentence for attempted solicitation of murder, and newly revealed court documents show he was serious. He asked the hit man "to strangle the victim and to use pantyhose to strangle her if he wanted, and said something to the effect of, 'If it ends up bloody, that's fine ... but I prefer not to have a mess,'" the documents say. Cruz told investigators his wife was unhappy and characterized his intent as a "mercy killing."

Mercy killing? So even when he was caught his ego tried to blame her for his actions. I imagine he said something like, "I couldn't bear to see her unhappy anymore." That's the definition of a psychopath.

Count-Spatula

Dec 14, 2010 6:09 PM CST

Straight people should not be allowed to marry. They are sick puppies.

vendetta

Dec 14, 2010 2:02 PM CST

9 years for attempted murder? Is it any surprise celebrities don't give a hoot about the laws? Only in America.